Selling a Business in Milwaukee
Owners in the Milwaukee area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 39,486 employer businesses, and 81% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Milwaukee by the numbers
39,486
39,486
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
81%
81%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
113,873
113,873
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
775,828
775,828
EMPLOYMENT
$52.2 billion
$52.2 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
16,943
16,943
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Milwaukee compares
The Milwaukee area ranks 1st of 13 Wisconsin metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Health care and social assistance makes up 15% of employer businesses in Milwaukee, compared with 12% in Wisconsin.
16,943 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Milwaukee area ranks 1st of 13 Wisconsin metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Health care and social assistance makes up 15% of employer businesses in Milwaukee, compared with 12% in Wisconsin.
16,943 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 5,999 employer businesses
Retail: 4,367 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 3,832 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 3,820 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 3,630 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Health care and social assistance: 5,999 employer businesses
Retail: 4,367 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 3,832 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 3,820 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 3,630 employer businesses
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Milwaukee
Health care and social assistance, retail, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Milwaukee
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Milwaukee. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
3,871 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
General Contracting: 856 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 713 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
3,142 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,057 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Primary & Family Care: 1,368 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,419 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Insurance Agencies: 741 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 581 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 541 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 438 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,773 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 422 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
1,599 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Metal Fabrication: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,259 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Auto Repair: 526 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
1,123 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
General Freight Trucking: 748 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,089 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 568 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
837 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Hair Salons: 432 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
836 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Residential Cleaning: 413 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 413 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 354 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
783 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Non-Medical Home Care: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
702 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Daycare Centers: 659 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
695 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Bars & Pubs: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
577 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Gas Stations: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Technology & Media
549 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
484 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Compounding Pharmacies: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
379 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
325 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Hotels: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Pet Services
203 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Energy & Utilities
157 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Waste Management & Recycling: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Milwaukee. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
3,871 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
General Contracting: 856 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 713 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
3,142 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,057 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Primary & Family Care: 1,368 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,419 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Insurance Agencies: 741 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 581 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 541 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 438 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
1,773 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 498 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 422 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
1,599 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Metal Fabrication: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,259 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Auto Repair: 526 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
1,123 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
General Freight Trucking: 748 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,089 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 568 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
837 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Hair Salons: 432 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
836 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Residential Cleaning: 413 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 413 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 354 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
783 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Non-Medical Home Care: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
702 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Daycare Centers: 659 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
695 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Bars & Pubs: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
577 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Gas Stations: 510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Technology & Media
549 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
484 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Compounding Pharmacies: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
379 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
325 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Hotels: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Pet Services
203 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Energy & Utilities
157 related employer businesses in Milwaukee.
Waste Management & Recycling: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in Milwaukee
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Milwaukee. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Milwaukee ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Milwaukee?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Milwaukee?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Milwaukee
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article